Theme Of Loss In William Mcilvanney's Death Of A Spinster

Loss is one theme demonstrated within the short story “Death of a Spinster” by William McIlvanney. The writer uses aspects of structure, imagery and word choice to create effect and impact throughout the short story. Loss is evident early in the story in its literal meaning, but as the story progresses, a metaphorical meaning of loss is also uncovered.

The title of the short story “Death of a Spinster” immediately alerts the reader to the fact that there’s going to be a loss. The use of the word “death” being so permanent, final, indicating a loss that cannot be replaced – life.

Also important within the title is the use of the word “Spinster.” It evokes negative images of an older woman, childless, never married, beyond her prime. This could

For those that wear charm bracelets, the charms will hold important symbolic meanings for them, this indicates that the seemingly trivial aspects of the women’s life hold more importance than what readers may have first recognised – they are keeping her alive. Unfortunately, “one day the charms broke.” This meaning that the protection stopped, the shield was broken. This allowing an “unscheduled car…” that was not part of the woman’s usual routine to come in and take her life. This confirming what the reader would’ve thought by the title, that a literal loss is going to occur at some point in the short

It could be said that her outward appearance is that expected of a spinster. This is completely juxtaposed by what is underneath “sensuous in rich underwear.” Sensuous creating the feeling of it being attractive, sexy and seductive. This could make the reader question why she’d wear such underwear? This is answered in the last sentence “…stubborn resplendence of unfulfilled dreams.” Despite her spinster status, the woman never gave up hope, that one day she’d meet the right